Middle School Teacher Salary in Illinois
Based on 25K+ workers in Illinois
Median Annual Salary (IL)
$76,110
$36.59/hr
vs National Average
$68,569
+11.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$48K – $106K
25K employed in Illinois
Middle School Teacher salary in Illinois averages $76,110 annually, positioning the state favorably in educator compensation. With approximately 24,770 middle school teachers employed across Illinois, the state offers salaries that run 11% above the national average, reflecting strong investment in public education and competitive compensation for experienced educators in the region.
Several factors influence Middle School Teacher salary in Illinois, including years of experience, educational credentials, and specific district funding levels. Geographic location within the state plays a significant role, as urban districts and well-funded suburban areas typically offer higher compensation packages than rural regions. Additional considerations include union representation, cost of living adjustments, and whether teachers pursue advanced degrees or specialized certifications.
Salary Distribution — Middle School Teacher in Illinois
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $47,810 |
| 25th percentile | $59,440 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $76,110 |
| 75th percentile | $94,520 |
| 90th percentile | $105,580 |
Top-Paying Industries for Middle School Teacher (U.S.)
Which industries pay Middle School Teachers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Middle School Teachers in Illinois tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $65,240 | — |
| Educational Services | $64,390 | 619K |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $58,330 | 560 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $54,370 | 290 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Middle School Teacher in Illinois vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Illinois) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $61,820 |
| 2023 | $66,140 |
| 2024 | $64,800 |
| 2025 | $76,110 |
| 2026 (projected) | $80,677 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Illinois Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $61,820 | $62,704 |
| 2023 | $66,140 | $65,652 |
| 2024 | $64,800 | $65,433 |
| 2025 | $76,110 | $68,569 |
| 2026 (projected) | $80,677 | $72,683 |
Middle School Teacher Salary by Experience Level in Illinois
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $59,440 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $76,110 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $94,520 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $105,580 |
Middle School Teacher Salary in Other States
Related Middle School Teacher Salaries in Illinois
How other high-demand occupations in Illinois compare to Middle School Teacher ($76,110 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Middle School Teacher | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Secondary School Teacher in IL | $79,990 | +5.1% | $38.46/hr |
| Instructional Coordinator in IL | $76,050 | -0.1% | $36.56/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in IL | $75,320 | -1.0% | $36.21/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in IL | $64,020 | -15.9% | $30.78/hr |
| Librarian in IL | $62,700 | -17.6% | $30.14/hr |
| School Counselor in IL | $62,420 | -18.0% | $30.01/hr |
| Tutor in IL | $44,230 | -41.9% | $21.26/hr |
| Editor in IL | $76,060 | -0.1% | $36.57/hr |
| Interior Designer in IL | $76,290 | +0.2% | $36.68/hr |
| Public Relations Specialist in IL | $76,380 | +0.4% | $36.72/hr |
| Human Resources Specialist in IL | $76,820 | +0.9% | $36.93/hr |
| Licensed Practical Nurse in IL | $75,000 | -1.5% | $36.06/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do middle school teachers make in Illinois?
- Middle school teachers in Illinois earn a median salary of $76,110 per year, which breaks down to approximately $37 per hour. This is 11.0% higher than the national average for this position.
What is the salary range for middle school teachers in Illinois?
- Middle school teacher salaries in Illinois range from a low of $47,810 to a high of $105,580 annually, depending on experience, qualifications, and location within the state.
Is teaching middle school in Illinois better paid than the national average?
- Yes, middle school teachers in Illinois earn 11.0% more than the national average salary for this role, with a median of $76,110 compared to lower-paying states.
How many middle school teachers are employed in Illinois?
- There are currently 24,770 middle school teachers employed throughout Illinois, representing a substantial portion of the state's education workforce.